Faerie Winter: Book 2 of the Bones of Faerie Trilogy

Bones of Faerie #2

by Janni Lee Simner

The long-awaited sequel to Janni Lee Simner's breathtaking YA fantasy debut, Bones of Faerie .

Liza is a summoner. She can draw life to herself, even from beyond the grave. And because magic works both ways, she can drive life away. Months ago, she used her powers to banish her dangerous father and to rescue her mother, lost in dreams, from the ruined land of Faerie.

Born in the wake of the war between humanity and Faerie, Liza lived in a world where green things never slept, where trees sought to root in living flesh and bone. But now the forests have fallen silent. Even the evergreens' branches are bare. Winter crops won't grow, and the threat of starvation looms. And deep in the forest a dark, malevolent will is at work. To face it, Liza will have to find within herself something more powerful than magic alone.

Here at last is the sequel to Bones of Faerie , for all those fans of dark fantasy and dystopian adventure who thrilled to Janni Lee Simner's unique vision of a postapocalyptic world infused with magic.


From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fairies, Dystopia, Paranormal, Magic, Fae

288 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Janni Lee Simner lives in the Arizona desert, where the plants know how to bite and the dandelions really do have thorns; in spite of these things--or maybe because of them--she's convinced she lives in one of the most stunning places on earth.

Janni has published four novels for young adults, the Bones of Faerie trilogy and Thief Eyes, and she wrote the script for the video game The Huntsman: Winter's Curse.

She's also published four books for younger readers--most recently Tiernay West, Professional Adventurer--as well as more than 30 short stories, including appearances in Cricket magazine and the Welcome to Bordertown anthology.

Reviews

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Bones of Faerie and fell in love with the world, accepting the fact that there probably wasn't going to be a sequel. In fact, I didn't even expect one. But I was delighted when I saw there was one, forgetting how intense my love was for Bones of Faerie. Faerie Winter matched that adoration and rose above it.

Simner creates a world that is simplistically complicated. It's hard to explain. I felt it was pure, like the essence of, well, a faerie and not cluttered by dirt and other things that I enjoy equally in other fiction. This truly gives me a calm feeling when I read it, even as bad things are happening.

The story is done very well, and isn't a sequel as much as a companion, like the Artemis Fowl books always have a new story in each book but with the characters that tie them together. We get to explore more about the children After, their magic, and their need to be accepted and want to use their gifts to help and not harm. We also meet the cruel fae, the most cruel of the cruel in fact, The Lady herself. She was as beautiful and deadly as dry ice. And yet, as "dark" as everything was, the story never really had a dark or bleak tone. It felt like I was stuck in winter (as I read this with 90 degree weather outside) and I felt sleepy like I do during winter months.

Simner managed to catch the essence of winter in this book and balance it subtly with the knowledge that spring will come, but how easily to forget something when it's gone away for long periods. Do pick it up. Do yourself a favor. It will wow you and have you wanting more. Simner left enough threads where there could be another, but regardless, I am perfectly content with whatever is in store for our beloved characters.

[Janni]

Now out in new paperback and ebook editions.

[Jilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much darker than the first book. I like that. No more silly or funny scenes in this sequel, the author just goes straight for the murderous sadistic games of the fae. It is twisted and delicious.

I also appreciated the character of Liza. She was never too stupid to live, nor was she perfect. She screwed up, kept trying, made tough choices, and slowly grew and changed through it all. She is a cool chick. I really loved her relationship with Kyle, who was adorable and I want to adopt.

The love story is still very minor, to non-existent in this book. I can see it becoming something in the last book.

[iva · Rating 2 out of 5]

hmmm
the big bad queen died too easily

[Kyleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was absolutely thrilled when I saw this on Around the World Tours. I completely adored Bones of Faerie and I had no clue that Janni was writing a sequel. It's been a long while since I read Bones of Faerie, but even with the gap I have to say that the sequel was just as good if not better.

Faerie Winter picks up a few months after Liza successfully brought autumn into her world. It's now the dead of winter and Liza and her village fear that spring may never come. The once blood seeking plants have grown passive and harmless. Even with Liza's summoning abilities, the trees refuse to come out of their slumber. What Liza doesn't realize is that Faerie is as equally dead as her own world, and that the Fae have come to her world in search of life. When Liza and Mathew find a young boy's burned body buried in the woods, things start to fall apart. Ethan, a young firestarter, is found by Liza and taken in by Kate. It soon becomes apparent that Faerie is not so willing to part from Liza's world without wiping out all humans, including Liza.


I really loved how Janni continued this story. I was relatively satisfied with the ending to Bones of Faerie, but hey I'm not complaining. A lot of things were cleared up that had been unanswered. Tara and Kaylen's history, how the War really started, and the truth behind Kaylen and Karin's heritage. The story really filled out and made me love these books even more.


One thing I was just DYING for was some development between Liza and Mathew! Gah! There was just so much repressed feelings in the first one I was hoping that with six months of winter something would have happened! Besides hand holding occasionally and a quick kiss nothing happened until the VERY END! And I am talking about down to the last page! >.< It's clear that they care very deeply for each other, but it's like they're both afraid to take the next step. Their relationship is truly beautiful. They trust each other with their lives, and feel like they can depend on no one else. I particularly loved what Liza would say "We protect each other." Just so sweet. Plus there's the fact that Mathew spent 90% of the novel in wolf form. Was it critical to the story? Yes, but I still can't help but resent it a bit. I like Mathew :(


I really felt that Liza's character grew tremendously. Liza has always been so clear cut on everything she does. She doesn't hesitate in any situation. If she believes that someone is a danger to her loved ones, even if she wants to help them, she will do what needs to be done. She knows what is important, and doesn't let her own personal feelings overcome her judgment. Liza's tough as nails, but it was nice to see a more vulnerable side to her. Her attachment to Kyle, a young boy in the village, is very touching. She comes to care for him like her own family, and commits to taking care of him. Liza still has things to learn, and is willing to learn from Karin. When it's time to decide who to save in order to restore spring to the world, she doesn't hesitate. She's self sacrificing (and I hate to say that because it reminds me of Bella Swan) but Liza has the right intentions. I definitely grew more attached to Liza in this book.


These books combine my two favorite genre's. Faerie and dystopian fiction. In one word? Epic! The story is a brilliant mix of fantasy, love, and a dying world. Dark and gripping you'll devour it in one sitting. I definitely did. I'm really hoping for a third book! Partially because I want me some Mathew/Liza, and because I just don't feel like the story is quite over yet. Maybe with some begging and pleading my dream will come true. XD

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Short Story? – The highly anticipated sequel to Bones of Faerie does not disappoint! Simner has written yet another seductive dark fantasy set in a dystopian environment! Enticing and dangerous, Faerie Winter is beautifully dark and brilliant! For fans of the supernatural with an exciting new edge, this one is for you!

The Long Story? – One of the things I love about this novel was the setting. The series is set in a dystopian world which is interlaced with magic. Unlike most dystopian societies which are modern rubbles, Simner has created a dystopian society that has travelled back in time to the Middle Ages. Not only has she incorporated dark fantasy into her story. The whole world is shadowed by the dangers of magic, the trees long for blood and the faeries are evil. Beautifully written and well-planned, Simner has written a novel filled with adventure, loss and hope. Very original and highly entertaining. It’s one to be enjoyed by lovers of all things dystopian or paranormal.

It annoys me to no end that the protagonist is called Liza. If only the ‘z’ was an‘s’ then it could have been a story about me!!! :) However it’s impossible to dislike Liza, she’s a very strong heroine. Level-headed, brave, selfless and intelligent. She’s someone to be admired. Matthew, our love interest doesn’t play a huge role in this novel but I love him anyway for always being there for Liza. Karin, the faerie who cares for humans and Kyle the brave little boy who I had grown to love. A wonderful cast of characters, well-developed and filled with personality.

Faerie Winter is like nothing you’ve ever read before. A clever tale about a world that’s falling apart, a race of beings that want to wipe out human population and a girl who has the power to change everything. Beautiful, exciting and dangerous, Faeries Winter is a brilliant companion to Bones of Faerie. To be loved by readers of all ages, if you’re looking for something new, this is a guaranteed good read.

Rating – 4.5/5

[MissHavoc {Cry Havoc! Reviews} · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been DYING to read this. Bones of Faerie is one of my all time faves. It combines both Faerie AND a dystopian world. Gah! It's wonderful. Well, actually it's very depressing and dangerous, but you get what I mean. It's sequel, Faerie Winter lives up to my expectations beautifully.

It wasn't enough though. I wished it could go on and on. 300-ish pages just didn't satisfy me, I felt like there could have been more. Wishful thinking I know, but the ending felt a little rushed. I was three-quarters of the way through the story before I realized that we were almost done, and I had barely gotten my fill. It's a good thing, I guess since, I just didn't want it to end.

Right from the get go we have doom and destruction. A stranger and dead children, and no idea how that came to be. Matthew, our shape-shifting hero, runs off to save the day again, only to be captured by those who would do him harm.

I don't want to give spoilers, so we'll just say that Liza and Matthew are once again in charge of saving the world. And it's in a totally believable set up. (For the world that they're living in, that is.) There are old friends and new enemies and a kind of helplessness I hope we never have to truly know.

I only gave it 4 stars and not 5 because I really felt that it could have been drug out a little longer. I was satisfied with the ending, but sad to see it so soon. If you are a fan of the Fae AND dystopian, than what are you waiting for? Faerie Winter and its predecessor, Bones of Faerie are like nothing you've ever read before. I loved them both, and hope you get the opportunity to enjoy them as well.

[Anastasia (At Bookish) · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I wasn't particularly impressed with Bones of Faerie, the first in the series. But I saw this in the library, and it wasn't particularly long, so I'm like What the heck? Might as well, right? Thankfully, it wasn't worse. It was actually better, but not by much.

In Bones of Faerie (my review here ) I thought it was very hard to understand, the story jumping from place to place without me understanding how. While that didn't happen in this book, it still seemed like the story was kind of disjointed. It did not have a very good flow to it AT ALL.

The romance in this book wasn't very... good. It did not seem nice and/or cute and/or gradual to me AT ALL. She DID NOT do a very good job with this.

So, the plot definitely matured and grew and was better than in Bones of Faerie. All in all, it was better than Bones of Faerie... but only worth your time if you have no other books to read and nothing else to do with your time.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

An apt follow-up to the first book, this one continues the story to see how Liza fairs after she returns home. Faced with new challenges as she attempts to understand her powers, she goes through another rite of passage that involves challenging the queen of Faerie. This is just as dark and dystopian as the first, but offers hope, at least.

I wanted more from each of the characters: more explanation, more emotion, more details. It feels like the good outline of a story, but elements of how things work and who characters are still remain somewhat shrouded in secrecy.

I wouldn't recommend reading this without having read the first, but is a must-read if you have read the first.

[Mira Domsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark fantasy set in post faerie apocalypse America. Sequel to Bones of Faerie. Liza and her village fear that the first winter that has come in many years will never end. They fear that the world has forgotten spring. To make matters worse, not all of the faeries who wish to destroy the human world have given up. Liza must try to save her town not only from the beginnings of another war, but from Winter itself as well.

Dark, dark, dark! But delicious.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

said the first book was like water and the sequel is ice. Nature’s violence has been tamed by winter, making the world cold and grey. Things are bleak and though Liza has help, it feel as if she takes on her current quest alone. The action seems tighter and more intense than the first, part of why I like this one more than the first.

Read more in my review.

[Kourtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faerie Winter by Janni Lee Simner is a gripping tale that immerses readers in a world of magic, danger, and uncertainty. The story centers around Liza, a summoner who possesses the unique ability to draw life to herself and banish it as well. After using her powers to banish her father and rescue her mother from Faerie, Liza finds herself in a world where the forests have fallen silent, and winter crops refuse to grow, leading to the looming threat of starvation.

Simner's world-building is exquisite, and readers will find themselves easily transported to a place where the greenery never sleeps, and the trees seek to root in flesh and bone. The author does an excellent job of conveying the sense of danger and uncertainty that pervades this world, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Liza faces one perilous situation after another.

What sets Faerie Winter apart from other fantasy novels is the depth and complexity of the characters. Liza is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist who must confront her fears and find the inner strength to overcome the challenges she faces. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, and each one adds a unique dimension to the story.

The plot is well-paced, and Simner expertly weaves together multiple storylines to create a compelling and satisfying narrative. The final showdown between Liza and the dark, malevolent force at work in the forest is particularly gripping, and readers will be rooting for Liza every step of the way.

Overall, Faerie Winter is a fantastic read that will appeal to anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, and strong female protagonists. Simner's writing is engaging and immersive, and her world-building is nothing short of magical. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and unforgettable reading experience.

[Sugar ink · Rating 2 out of 5]

The unnecessary sequel to Bones of Faerie introduces a world where the trees aren’t blooming, spring never comes, and starvation looms over everyone. However, this dire situation never truly takes center stage, and the protagonist doesn’t actively work to resolve it. Instead, spring miraculously returns after an entirely unrelated series of events, and the characters somehow just know what to do—despite this not being the main plot of the book.

The main plot of the book is about Liza's mother and the struggle with the faerie queen after she makes her way into the human land For someone who rules over the Raerie, led them in a brutal war, and is feared for her power, you’d expect the Faerie Queen to have an army—or at least some guards. Instead, she has only her granddaughter by her side. After laying waste to an entire village, you’d also anticipate a climactic showdown, but the Queen’s most threatening acts include using glamour to manipulate others and turning a few people into trees or animals, and killing off a defenseless character. She is ultimately defeated by Liza and her mother, with the help of Elianna betraying the queen for hurting her mother.

Then Liza suddenly knows exactly how to bring the trees back from their endless winter. She calls forth spring, nearly dies in the process, and then—just like that—everything is resolved, and everyone is happy.

Still the writing is good and enjoyable to read if you're looking for a quick easy read with magic and faerie, this is the right book for you. Other than that I'm most likely never reading this again.

[Kessily Lewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faerie Winter is the second in the Bones of Faerie trilogy and I was enthralled. I read the whole thing in one night. It’s so good!

At the end of the first book Liza, a summoner, somehow brought a tree into their world from the gray place and at the time it seemed like a wonderful thing… but since then things have gone wrong.

Liza is learning just how powerful she is. She’s stronger than she’d guessed and her powers keep growing. Like the other magical children of the town she no longer has to fear using them. She brought her mother back home and their wounds are healing from the adventure so everything should be perfect.

But it’s not. Things are not going well with her mother and there’s a mystery there that she doesn’t understand. Her visions have given her uncomfortable glimpses into her mother’s past with Caleb but there’s still so much she doesn’t know and her mother won’t speak of it.

But when a strange child arrives at the town, one with powers, she’ll once again be dashing off on adventure to save people. This time it won’t just be her friends, her family, or her town she needs to save but the entire world.

I love watching Liza grow. I admit to having guessed a few of the twists before they happened but given that it’s a YA book that’s not very surprising. The ending however did take me off guard and it was beautiful I’m very much looking forward to the third book!

[ℜoxie -₮he ℛeader · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Bones Of Faerie I absolutely fell head over heels in love with the twisted, dark and evil world that Janni Lee Simner created.

Now this is a book I got totally lost in, I ran through the bleak, once lush forest, I hid from the lurking shadows just wanting to be set free, I smelt the burning flesh that boiled and burst, what a journey this book takes you on and I went so willingly.

I absolutely adore each character, every single one was simply magical! I love how there are links to certain characters too and their own stories then merge into one.
Liza and Matthews relationship slowly grows in this book and I liked the way that Janni L Simner didnt rush their chemistry it all felt very natural and lovingly done.

The story
Once the plants seeked out blood, the woods were an incredibly dangerous place to roam and almost none would dare to go but now the world is a much different place people wear acorns in there hair that would once explode on touch, their surroundings have turned from green to grey and cold much like the world of Faerie, nothing grows, nothing lives, but yet there is hope on both sides that Spring will eventually return. Some of the Fae have come searching the human world for life and to destroy the remainder of the human race, taking control over there bodies and bending their wills for their own gain.

I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every single late night with my head stuck in between the pages of these books. 5* read.

This has to join my list of best book series, I loved every moment, I am itching to start the next book which I have ordered and am waiting to arrive from USA! cant wait!

[Danielle Bush · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book we have liza coming face to face with The Lady.. who is actually the queen of faerie. She is in the mortal world to continue the war and kill anyone she comes across..
Liza is trying to save matthew, and a little boy named Kyle. There was def a lot of action in this book, with liza trying to save her friends and stop the lady from killing everyone..
They end up killing the queen of faerie, and liza loses the use of her arm. Matthew is probably going to have some PTSD from some of the things the queen had him do when she was under her control.
Also lizas mom ends up pregnant from her ex. the guy from faerie. i kinda felt like it came out of nowhere.
The book was pretty short, but felt shorter. I felt like we could have gotten a lot more of well everything..
I did like this book, and want to read the sequel to see how it all ends..

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one has some really dark elements to it- the faeries in this series do not mess around- the evil ones are crazy evil. It's an intense plot and ends with plenty of hope but so much struggle comes before it. This series has me torn- it's really well written and original, but it's also really, really dark. I'm not not totally sold on the darkness of it. I feel like it needs a better balance between light and dark in it. It reminds me of criminal minds - each episode has some really dark things happening in it, but they always balance it out with some really light, relaxed, or funny moments. I think I'd like this book better if the balance was more even.

[Ellen Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glamours are a terrible thing

Liza finds out just how powerful and dangerous her powers are in book 2. While magic is slowly starting to be accepted she still faces a lot of distrust and unease with her powers by the people around her. When the queen of the fae comes calling and finds out Liza is her mother’s daughter - all sorts of problems occur and glamour is used on all the humans around her. Will she be strong enough to save those she loves ? This book is dark and interesting in a post apocalyptic world with magic - a coming of age story that struggles with identity and family.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. After the events in the first book, the world has changed and they are having winter for the first time since the war, with all of the plants going dormant, even those that should be evergreen. The village begins to fear that they may not be able to grow food if spring does not arrive. Liza tries to use her summoning powers, but finds that there is something wrong. As they begin to investigate, they find that the influence of Faerie is still affecting their world and Liza and the humans have a new adversary to contend against.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, reading this as an adult versus the young adult target audience is why it got three stars instead of four stars. The story was good, and the couple of surprises in the story were fun, but overall most of the content was similar to other books I have read in the past. Some more character development would have enriched the book, but it also may have made the story too long for those who would normally read this book or the trilogy it's part of.

[Ronda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exhilarating!

As the characters grow in this book they are referred to as the "Afters". Magic born after the Great War between humans and Fae alike. New characters come into play, and evil tendencies with it. I just could not put this book down, because it kept me enthralled! Looking forward to the next in this series.

[Debbie Tremel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Sequel

As in all good sequels, this book had totally different challenges and antagonist, but kept and built on the main characters. There were also new, interesting characters introduced. I also appreciate the author is willing to delve into tough situations, which makes the fantasy feel more realistic. Looking forward to book 3!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better

I loved the first book, but this one was even better. I felt this one went a little slower and I formed a better connection with many of the people in the book. Especially Liza. Liza is a strong lead character, which is a must in all books I read. Will definitely be purchasing the next and getting started right away

[Lotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a nice read, I liked the plot and knowing how the characters lived after the last book, but I also kept wanting to skip a few pages. And when I did, I didn't miss much. Maybe I'm just impatient, but this book could do with some editing.

[Marloes · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a long time I finally picked up this book! I loved it. The characters and the story...I missed them, so it was nice to finally continue on with the series! I really enjoyed it and everything that was going on in this book.

Currently waiting for book three to come at my doorsteps :)

[Angie Orlando · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m on a faerie kick, and couln’t get enough of this book. Letting the town kids develop their magic didn’t make tings go happily ever after. And Liza is dealing with major resentment of her mother. Two evil faeries show up, and we learn just how dark and terrible they can be.

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel mostly the same about the sequel as I did the first book. It was enjoyable and the plot and characters enjoyable but the development just wasn’t there and the pacing was too fast for me. I’d have liked a longer book with things more fleshed out.

[Alyx Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good

Just as good as the first one. You won’t regret this series.
This is not a shiny sparkly faerie, its a dark scary version. Be warned though, some of the content is very dark.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great quick read. Have really enjoyed this little series!

[Winterfae *spiro, spero* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the first book in the series.